Burda Research Group

Research

Nanomaterials to Improve Energy Conversion Schemes

Nanoscience leads to a wide range of energy applications from photovoltaics to thermoelectrics. It is expected that nanostructures play a pivotal role in the quickly rising areas of energy conversion and energy storage. We synthesize inorganic nanocrystals and control their sizes, compositions, and their surfaces and characterize them with state-of-the-art technology, including electron microscopy with a 1 nanometer resolution and optical spectroscopy with a time-resolution of 100 femotseconds to uncover the often surprising properties of the size-confined materials. For example, we investigate the optoelectronic properties of nanocrystals and develop nanomaterials with properties of interest for the complex nanoarchitectures needed in energy-related applications. Please consult our publications for an update on recent research.

Optoelectronics of Organic and Inorganic Material

Organic materials are the basis of increasingly many materials and devices. However the electronic properties of organic materials, though fascinating, are complex and require detailed spectroscopic investigation. With femtosecond time-resolved laser spectroscopy and imaging techniques, studies of ensembles of molecules are performed. The goal of this research is to increase the understanding of the chemical dynamics and the electronic properties of molecules, assemblies, and nanocomposites. The uncovered novel concepts will be guide for the design of new technological or biomedical prototype devices. We are particularly interested in understanding the interfacing between molecules, nano-structures, and macroscopic materials. Building functional devices from nanostructures requires an understanding of the interactions between these components.

Environmental Studies

Persistent organic pollutants are a pressing issue for our environment. These compounds are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. They have been observed to persist in the environment, are capable of long-range transport, and exhibit bioaccumulation in human and animal tissue as well as in food chains. Therefore, they have potentially a significant impact on human health and the environment. We study the possibility to photodegrade organic pollutants in aqueous and lipophilic environments using the help of metal oxide nanostructures (TiO2, CeO2, etc.). We synthesize these photocatalysts, we dope them to achieve visible-light activation (e.g. using sun light to clean up oil spills, to clean surfaces under ambient light, etc.) and study the photoconversion of the pollutants into their photooxidation products. Often these decompositions are completely mineralizing the pollutants into CO2 and other inorganic oxidation products.

Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy & Imaging

The latest laser and imaging technology is available in our Center for Chemical Dynamics and additional facilities at CWRU to reveal the electronic and morphological properties of nanostructures in materials, cells, and prototype device structures. State-of-the-art femtosecond laser spectroscopy and imaging are used to uncover the relevant photoinduced processes. This is a promising field that aides in developing new and ambitious ideas in the context of energy, environment, and health-related research.

Nanoparticles for Health Applications

We are undertaking a critical assessment of the use of quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles in the delivery of drugs and therapy. A major advantage of using QDs is their strong photoluminescence, which in principle can be exploited for imaging and photodynamic therapy applications. This also entails modifying these nanostructures in their size, shape and surface composition. Studies are being carried out in cells and in vivo at the University Hospitals on campus.